The highly-rated centre-half received his 10th yellow card of the season during the home defeat to Charlton in midweek and must now serve a two-match ban. His place in the side could go to Kevin Gomis, although versatile defender Lee Peltier has completed his loan move to the City Ground and could make his debut on Saturday.

Forwards Jamie Paterson and Radi Majewski will both be pushing for starts after being named on the bench on Tuesday night, while striker Marcus Tudgay has returned from his loan spell with the Addicks and is an option for Gary Brazil.

Academy manager Brazil is expected to remain in charge following Billy Davies' departure on Monday.